Before you go

Your trip to Rottnest Island.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Rottnest Island – Austrália Ocidental Destination Perth e Fremantle about 30 km from Perth

How to get there

Perth Airport (PER) Redcliffe · 50 km
Cais de Thomson Bay 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

By ferry from Fremantle in about 30 minutes; there are also boats from the Barrack Street jetty in central Perth and from Hillarys. Ferries arrive at the Thomson Bay jetty. There are also scenic flights and seaplanes from Perth.

How many days

One day by bike for the beaches, the lighthouse and the quokkas. With an overnight on the island you can watch the sunset at West End and enjoy empty beaches early in the morning.

When to go

From November to April, when the sea is warmer and calmer for swimming and snorkelling. From September to November whales often pass offshore. In summer and school holidays the island gets busy: book the ferry in advance.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. Visitors cannot bring cars: people get around by bicycle, which can be rented at the jetty or taken on the ferry, and by a bus that goes around the island. Bike paths have gentle climbs; bring water.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Rottnest Island

Morning
Bicycle and The Basin
Arrive on the first ferry, rent a bike at Thomson Bay and ride to The Basin to swim and snorkel.
Afternoon
Wadjemup Lighthouse
Cycle to Wadjemup Lighthouse on the island's highest point, then follow the southern bays.
Late afternoon
West End
Take the bus to West End to see the sea lions and the open ocean at Cape Vlamingh.
Evening
Return or overnight on the island
Return on the last ferry or stay overnight on the island and see the quokkas at dusk, without touching them.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get to Rottnest?

By ferry from Fremantle in about 30 minutes, or from central Perth and Hillarys. Book in advance in summer.

Can you touch or feed the quokkas?

No. It is prohibited to touch or feed the quokkas, and fines apply. You may photograph them close up without contact.

Do you need a bicycle on Rottnest?

It is the most common way to get around. There is also a bus that circumnavigates the island with stops at the main beaches.

Can Rottnest be done as a day trip?

Yes, it is one of the most common day trips from Perth and Fremantle.

Back to Rottnest Island